Troon

Troon is well known for its premium golf courses that draw golf enthusiasts from far and wide. The beautiful Marina of Troon features many types of boats and yachts; boat rental facilities are available all round the year, which comes handy to explore the wide and post card pretty beaches of the  North Sands and South Sands that are well complemented by a relaxed seaside resort and promenades.

Troon is also the Seacat ferry port to Larne in Northern Ireland.

Immediately north of Ayr, and well served by buses and trains from Ayr, is Prestwick, home of another fine Ayrshire golf course and also an international airport. If you need to stay in Prestwick try the Parkstone Hotel, Esplanade, Tel 01292 477286, which also serves good bar meals.

North of Prestwick the A77 turns northeast towards Glasgow, bypassing the distinctly uninspiring industrial town of Kilmarnock. It is also home to a little-known attraction Dean Castle and Country Park (follow signs from A77). Set in parkland with a Rare Breeds Farm, this 14th-century Keep with 15th-century Palace houses a collection of European arms and armour, early musical instruments and items relating to Burns. Info: Apr-Oct daily with hourly tours from 1215 to 1615 weekdays and 1215-1515 weekends. Free. There is also a tearoom, (1000-1700 summer, 1100-1500 winter).